Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping seals your windows and doors from air infiltration and leakage. Just like caulk and sealers, weather-stripping helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Sealing doors and windows are different because they move and the seals must be able to be effective while still allowing freedom of movement. Choose a type of weather-stripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location.

The type of weather-stripping that you use will depend of what you are sealing. There are all kinds of weather-stripping and you can easily be overwhelmed when you go to the hardware store to purchase some. It is best to tell the experts at your home supply store what you want to seal and let them direct you to a product for that purpose.

Or, get a home do-it-yourself manual which will show you exactly how to do your own weather-stripping. You will be able to single handedly seal you home from the elements!

Weather-stripping supplies and techniques range from simple to very technical. Follow the instructions on the supplies packaging. Here are some basic guidelines:

• The surfaces that you apply weather-stripping to should be clean, dry and above 20 degrees Fahrenheit

• Measure twice before you cut anything

• Apply weather-stripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.

• Choose the right kind of door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.

• Weather-strip the entire door jamb.

• Apply one continuous strip along each side.

• Make sure the weather-stripping meets tightly at the corners.

• Use a thickness that causes the weather-stripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to close.

For air sealing windows, apply weather-stripping between the sash and the frame. The weather-stripping shouldn’t interfere with the operation of the window.

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